If you want more information on the Ethereals, read the auxiliary chapter [Information: Etherials]. It contains information that will not be placed in the main chapter, but is information that Jackson learns from Brakes separately later, or is just written in the main chapters. This saves me time thinking of a way to incorporate this information into the story and keep this from getting boring for you, readers.
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"Okay..." I said slowly, rubbing my temples as I tried to piece everything together. "So you're a spirit that's existed since the beginning of the multiverse, who also happens to be the caretaker of an infinite library that contains literally all knowledge across every world and dimension."
Brakos nodded calmly, swirling a cup of tea I didn't see him make."That is correct—though a few nuances aside, you've summarized it quite well."
I stared into the fire for a second, watching the flames flicker in oddly synchronized patterns. It was like they were dancing to some rhythm I couldn't hear. My brain felt like it had just done six laps around a quantum physics textbook, and I wasn't sure if I needed a nap or a Nobel Prize.
"I'm still not entirely convinced I'm not dreaming, but you know what? I'll bite. Continue."
Brakos smiled and leaned back slightly. "If you're alright with it, I'd like to fill in some of the blanks I know you're already wondering about. And I do know—you've been mentally listing your questions since you sat down."
"...Yeah. That's fair." I chewed, then swallowed. "Okay, shoot."
"Good. First, let's talk about the Ethereal races. Spirits—like myself—are one of three core Ethereal beings. The others are Celestials and Infernals. You'd probably think of them as angels and demons."
I nodded slowly. "Right. So standard holy-trinity-of-power setup. Got it."
Brakos chuckled at that. "Something like that. Though it's a bit more nuanced. Celestials bring order. They're the overseers of peace, protectors of ancient secrets, and arbiters of divine blessings. They rarely act directly, but when they do, they usually use avatars—temporary bodies they control to interact with the world."
"Okay, so heavenly remote-control puppets. Got it."
"Exactly," Brakos said with a smirk. "Now, Infernals are… well, chaos incarnate. But not just mindless destruction. They stir conflict, yes, but often as a form of balance. They push people. Test them. Make life… eventful."
I raised an eyebrow. "So demons cause chaos for our benefit? That's kind of messed up. Like giving someone a birthday cake and then lighting it on fire to 'build character.'"
Brakos gave a soft laugh. "An apt metaphor, if a bit dramatic. But yes, balance is key. A world of pure order becomes stagnant. A world of pure chaos collapses.
Infernals and Celestials keep the wheel turning, even if one side does it with sharp teeth and sinister grins while the other with swords and song... I've never understood that last part." he said and shrugged
"Okay, so if Celestials are the 'helicopter parents' of the universe, and Infernals are the 'punch-you-in-the-face life coaches,' where do you fit in?"
Brakos gave me a knowing look. "Spirits are the guides. The observers. We don't lead through fear or divine mandate—we whisper in the winds, spark ideas, teach magic, mend broken paths. We are the storytellers behind the scenes."
He leaned forward slightly, and his eyes glowed with a soft, pale blue light. "And sometimes, we give lost souls a second chance."
I blinked. "...Wait. That's what this is, isn't it?"
Brakos nodded, a gentle but serious expression on his face.
"You died, Jackson. You shouldn't be here, and yet… here you are."
I sat back in my chair and let that hit me fully for the first time. I mean, I knew it. Of course I knew it. But hearing it like that—with no mystery or metaphysical fluff—made it real in a way I wasn't ready for.
"So… I'm dead." The words felt cold, even with the fire burning beside me.
"You are," Brakos said quietly, respectfully. "But death is not always the end."
"...Let me guess," I muttered. "It's just the next chapter?"
"Exactly," he said with a warm smile.
I let the silence sit for a bit. My mind was already working overtime, but that one statement—that my life could have a sequel—ignited something in me. It was terrifying, but also… weirdly exciting.
"So… if I'm here because you offered me a second chance… what exactly does that entail?" I asked. "Is this like reincarnation? Spiritual travel agency? Witness protection for souls?"
Brakos chuckled again. "All of the above, depending on the case. But in your situation, yes—reincarnation."
I stared at the fire again and exhaled. "Okay. Reincarnation. Multiverse. Infinite Library. Literal spirit of stories and knowledge. Got it. Just your average Tuesday."
I turned to Brakos again. "Alright, one more thing—you mentioned this place holds all knowledge. Are we talking, like, 'how to make a pizza out of starlight' kind of knowledge? Or 'where I left my favorite hoodie in 2019' kind of knowledge?"
"Both," he said without missing a beat. "Though the latter would be in the Personal Mishaps wing, fifth spiral to the left."
"...That's both hilarious and mildly horrifying."
Brakos nodded, very seriously. "You would not believe how many socks are unaccounted for in your world."
I gave a short laugh despite myself. Even with everything crashing down on me—death, the afterlife, cosmic forces—Brakos had a way of making it feel… human. Familiar. And somehow, that made it bearable.
I looked around again, letting my gaze drift along the endless shelves. A universe of knowledge. And somewhere in it… the next chapter of my story was waiting.